Varsity Football has seen a great deal of entertainment this season, with teams often causing upsets against some of the household names in the competition.
One of the surprise packages in this year’s tournament has definitely been Wits University, who have fought against the odds to secure their first ever Varsity Football final. This is Wits’ first ever sporting team, from any sporting code to make their way into a final of a prestigious Varsity Sports tournament.
The Wits football side did this by going to their bitter Johannesburg rivals UJ in the semi-final, and defeating them 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the game had ended 0-0. This victory was also the first time Wits have managed to defeat those they consider their ‘noisy neighbours’ and the ‘high school down the road’.
One man who stood out in the semi-final was Wits’ young shot stopper Matthew Carelse, who in the semi-final clash, produced a number of sublime saves to send the Witsies into the final. One of the saves included keeping out UJ’s Karl Clements penalty during the game and of course the wonderful saves during the penalty shootout. Varsity Football took the time to have a short chat with Matthew about life for him in football so far.
Matthew Carelse is currently studying a Bsc Property Studies in his first year at Wits University. Carelse is not a local student, but he has travelled a great deal to come and pursue a career in football.
“I’m from Cape Town, grew up in Stranfontein, and the first club I played for at 4 years old was Strandfontein AFC. I left South Africa for 2 years to live in the USA, and I went to my first school there, called Stripling Elementary School. I came back to South Africa in 2006 and started schooling at Pinelands Primary School. I finished off my schooling at Pinelands High School in 2017.”
Carelse believes that starting with the game at a young age has helped quite a bit in his development as a player, even though he hasn’t always been a goalkeeper. His father has also played a vital role in his love of football from a very tender age.
“I started playing football at 4 years old. I watched my dad play Sunday League Football, and I’ve been hooked on football ever since. I’ve always seen my dad as an idol, so I wanted to be just like him. I’ve also not always been a goalkeeper, I actually started off as an infield player, but I could never play a full game due to my asthma, so I tried out being a goalkeeper and I became really good at it.” Carelse explains.
Matthew Carelse was also spotted by Premier Soccer League side Bidvest Wits, in his matric year, who also had a big hand in Matthew making his way into the University and playing Varsity Football.
“I signed a deal with Bidvest Wits in October last year during my matric final exams. This then saw me move to Joburg in January. The deal signed is 2 years. I’m currently with the reserve side, in the Multichoice Diski Challenge, but I also train with the Bidvest Wits PSL team everyday.”
Since signing the deal, Carelse is still yet to crack the nod from coach Gavin Hunt in order to get his official club debut. Matthew has however featured in some friendly games for the ‘students’ but is still hoping he will soon be given the honour of walking out at the Bidvest Stadium and playing his football at the highest club stage (PSL) in South Africa.
With very little game time so far in the professional set up, Carelse has been grateful for the opportunity of competing at a university level as well to keep him sharp and on his toes.
“Varsity Football has been a great platform for me to improve my game and get competitive minutes under my belt. I’m obsessed with winning, so it really fed into my desire to win, because of how competitive it is. It’s also a good chance for me to play and study so I’m thankful to the Wits Sport management and Varsity Sports for giving me this opportunity,” Carelse expressed.
Matthew Carelse in the next 10 years wants to work hard towards being a well known name not just in South African football, but world football. Another goal would be to become a regular starter in the Bafana Bafana set up, with this type of determination, it shouldn’t take too long. In the more near future, Carelse and his Wits teammates will lock horns with TUT at the Bidvest stadium on the 27th of September in the penultimate final. Carelse had a few words to share, ahead of this all important battle.
“I’d just like to say that we can go all the way. The coaches have told us since the beginning that we are a special crop, and it’s really starting to show. So I’d just like to urge my fellow students, to be at Bidvest Stadium in their numbers on the 27th of September.”
Before concluding the interview, Matthew Carelse had words of encouragement and advice for younger players, who may one day want to find themselves in his shoes, playing for and attending the best University in Africa, as well as getting signed by the high-flying Bidvest Wits.
“To any youngsters out there, just stay driven, stay focused and never lose your love and desire for the game. All in all, respect the game, and do your best at all times,” Carelse concluded.
By S’fiso Nyawo
